Menu
29/07/2005
Minister gives go-ahead to family cycling projects
The development of new family cycling trails at Castlewellan Forest Park, Gosford Forest Park and Castlearchdale Forest has been announced.
NIO Minister Jeff Rooker said the trails would improve the forest visitor access across the three locations and said it also reaffirmed a commitment to widening still further the use of forests for other recreational activities.
However, the Minister responded to concerns that the Forest Service had resisted attempts to create mountain bike trails in Northern Ireland, by warning that any such proposal must be carefully worked through.
"The Forest Service remains committed to finding solutions that would allow wider use of forests for cycling and other types of recreation," the Minister said. "However, in terms of mountain bike trials, the responsibility lies with cycle trail promoters to establish that their proposals are practical and affordable.
"The significant difficulties with the existing proposals for funding cross-country and downhill trails cannot be resolved in the time available to the potential funding bodies."
Mountain bike trails exist at Gortin Glen Forest and Moneyscalp Forest (beside Tollymore Forest Park), while construction and management of a trail by a cycling group at Belvoir Park Forest is currently underway.
Development of a trail at Florencecourt Forest Park with Sustrans and Fermanagh District Council is also in progress.
(MB/KMcA)
NIO Minister Jeff Rooker said the trails would improve the forest visitor access across the three locations and said it also reaffirmed a commitment to widening still further the use of forests for other recreational activities.
However, the Minister responded to concerns that the Forest Service had resisted attempts to create mountain bike trails in Northern Ireland, by warning that any such proposal must be carefully worked through.
"The Forest Service remains committed to finding solutions that would allow wider use of forests for cycling and other types of recreation," the Minister said. "However, in terms of mountain bike trials, the responsibility lies with cycle trail promoters to establish that their proposals are practical and affordable.
"The significant difficulties with the existing proposals for funding cross-country and downhill trails cannot be resolved in the time available to the potential funding bodies."
Mountain bike trails exist at Gortin Glen Forest and Moneyscalp Forest (beside Tollymore Forest Park), while construction and management of a trail by a cycling group at Belvoir Park Forest is currently underway.
Development of a trail at Florencecourt Forest Park with Sustrans and Fermanagh District Council is also in progress.
(MB/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
07 June 2022
Poots Welcomes New Rescue Equipment For Castlewellan Forest Park
DAERA Minister Edwin Poots has visited Castlewellan Forest Park to see first-hand some of the new rescue equipment funded under the Rural Community Rescue Scheme.
Poots Welcomes New Rescue Equipment For Castlewellan Forest Park
DAERA Minister Edwin Poots has visited Castlewellan Forest Park to see first-hand some of the new rescue equipment funded under the Rural Community Rescue Scheme.
26 August 2021
£5.7m Invested In NI's Forest Parks
The latest in a series of short films to promote Northern Ireland's forest parks during the Centenary Year has been launched by Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Edwin Poots. Five films have been produced to showcase DAERA's £5.
£5.7m Invested In NI's Forest Parks
The latest in a series of short films to promote Northern Ireland's forest parks during the Centenary Year has been launched by Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Edwin Poots. Five films have been produced to showcase DAERA's £5.
03 November 2006
Woman's death 'not suspicious'
Police have revealed that following a post-mortem examination of the body of a woman discovered at a forest park on the outskirts of Belfast yesterday, the circumstances surrounding the death are not believed to be suspicious.
Woman's death 'not suspicious'
Police have revealed that following a post-mortem examination of the body of a woman discovered at a forest park on the outskirts of Belfast yesterday, the circumstances surrounding the death are not believed to be suspicious.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
